Leeds United v Blackburn: Silvestri to start – but Evans in talks to bring in Premier League keeper

Lee Sobot

MARCO SILVESTRI will definitely start in goal against Blackburn Rovers tomorrow but Steve Evans is in talks with a Premier League club about bringing in a new contender for the number one jersey.

Leeds United no 1 Silvestri has received heavy criticism for some of this season’s costly errors with another mistake contributing to the opening goal for Bolton Wanderers in Saturday’s 1-1 draw.

But Whites head coach Evans insists he retains plenty of confidence in Silvestri and will bring in another goalkeeper to see if the Italian can “raise the bar” and keep his number one jersey.

United need a new back-up keeper in any case with Ross Turnbull out with a broken ankle but Evans is adamant he sees no point in bringing in a mere back-up shotstopper.

Asked if Silvestri would start in goal against Blackburn, Evans said: “Marco, of course, will start and I said to young Marco after Saturday that you don’t just become a bad goalkeeper, that’s for sure.

“He may lack in a little bit of confidence or he has made the odd mistake or two but I have seen him working so hard on the training ground and he knows one thing for sure as he’s been told that we are going to bring a goalkeeper into the fold.

“There’s a manager in the Premier League who is going to call me tomorrow with a yes or a no – someone I have known a long time.

“And if he can allow us and help us then not only will we be grateful but it will also bring some competition in for Marco.

“I don’t want to bring a youngster in where he is having to go and play at Elland Road.

“At this moment in time I think we need the right type of player.

“I’m not going to go and sign a clear no 2 to Marco. I want to try and raise the bar.”